General Step-By-Step Guide to Planting a Pasture
1. Planning
- Decide pasture purpose: Grazing (cattle, sheep, horses), hay production, or rotational grazing.
- Choose appropriate forage species: Cool-season grasses (e.g., fescue, orchardgrass), warm-season grasses (e.g., bermudagrass), legumes (e.g., clover, alfalfa).
- Our company can only supply cool-season type grasses. For warm season type grasses you will need to locate a seed company located closer to you that deals with those types of seeds.
2. Soil Testing
- Take soil samples and test for pH, nutrients (P, K, N), and organic matter.
- Soil samples are often available from local county extension offices or an independent testing lab
- Amend soil based on recommendations (lime to raise pH, sulfur to lower, etc.).
3. Site Preparation
- Remove existing vegetation with herbicide or mechanical tilling.
- Ensure good seedbed by harrowing or disking (for conventional seeding).
- For no-till planting, use a drill suited for pasture seeds.
4. Seed Selection & Timing
- Choose forage suited to your zone:
- Cool-season: plant in early spring or late summer/fall.
- Warm-season: plant in late spring after soil warms.
5. Seeding
- Drill seeding: Preferred for better soil contact and germination.
- Broadcast seeding: Requires dragging or rolling to ensure contact. Good seed to soil contact is important. Seeds don’t need to be any deeper in soil than seed is long.
- Seeding rates vary by species and soil.
6. Fertilization
- Apply fertilizer based on soil test.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen early to reduce weed competition.
7. Weed Control
- Control annual weeds early.
- Use herbicide or mow as needed.
- Avoid grazing until pasture is established.
8. Grazing Management
- Wait until plants are well-established before grazing—typically when forage reaches 6–8 inches tall, depending on species.
- Use rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and allow pastures to rest and recover, improving long-term productivity and soil health.
Monitor and adjust stocking rate based on pasture conditions, forage availability, and livestock needs
- Stocking rate is defined as the number of grazing animals per unit of land over a specific period.
- Maintaining an appropriate stocking rate is essential to balance animal performance with pasture sustainability—too many animals can cause overgrazing, while too few can lead to underutilization of forage.
- Regular assessment and adjustment help optimize both animal health and pasture condition.
Tips:
- Observe pasture height and recovery—if grasses don’t rebound quickly after grazing, the stocking rate may be too high.
- Supplement when needed—in times of low forage availability, use hay or move animals to a sacrifice area to protect pasture.
- Consult local extension services—they can help determine optimal stocking rates based on your pasture conditions and forage type.
State/Region-Specific Considerations
Southeast (e.g., Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi)
- Climate: Warm, humid, long growing season.
- Best grasses: Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue (cooler areas), clover.
- Planting time:
- Warm-season: April–June
- Cool-season: Sept–Oct
- Special notes:
- Lime often needed due to acidic soils.
- Watch for endophyte toxicity in tall fescue (use improved varieties).
* Our company offers Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover seeds—all of which are well-known cool-season forage species. However, the varieties we supply are better adapted to cooler northern U.S. climates. For optimal performance in the hot and humid conditions of the Southeast, we recommend consulting local suppliers for varieties specifically selected for this region’s environmental challenges.
Northeast (e.g., New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont)
- Climate: Cool, snowy winters, wet springs.
- Best grasses: Orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, timothy, clovers.
- Planting time: Early spring (April–May) or late summer (Aug–Sept).
- Special notes:
- Drainage is key—install drainage if needed.
- Winter hardiness is important.
* Our company offers high-quality seed options including Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover—all well-suited to the cool-season conditions of the Northeast. These varieties are adapted to northern climates and can thrive in the region’s temperature range and precipitation patterns.
Midwest (e.g., Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin)
- Climate: Cold winters, hot summers.
- Best grasses: Cool-season species like smooth bromegrass, orchardgrass, red clover.
- Planting time: Spring or late summer (August ideal for weed control).
- Special notes:
- Manage wet springs and potential erosion.
- Integrate legumes for nitrogen fixation.
* Our company offers Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover seeds—all well-suited for the cool-season conditions common across the Midwest. These species perform well under the region’s temperature fluctuations and are an excellent foundation for productive, long-lasting pastures.
Southern Plains (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma)
- Climate: Hot summers, mild winters, variable rainfall.
- Best grasses: Bermudagrass, buffalograss, native warm-season grasses, ryegrass (for winter).
- Planting time:
- Warm-season: April–June
- Cool-season: Sept–Oct
- Special notes:
- Irrigation may be needed.
- Drought-tolerant species are critical.
* Our company offers Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover seeds. While these are well-known cool-season forages, the varieties we supply are best adapted to cooler, northern U.S. climates. For optimal results in the Southern Plains’ hot and often humid conditions, we recommend consulting local seed providers who carry varieties specifically bred for heat and drought tolerance.
Pacific Northwest (e.g., Oregon, Washington)
- Climate: Mild, wet winters; dry summers (west of Cascades).
- Best grasses: Perennial ryegrass, orchardgrass, tall fescue, white clover.
- Planting time: Early fall (Aug–Sept).
- Special notes:
- Focus on drainage during winter months.
- Summer drought may limit growth.
* Our company offers seed varieties that are well-suited to the cool, moist conditions of the western Pacific Northwest. If you are planting east of the Cascades, where conditions are drier and irrigation is often required, our current varieties can still perform well with adequate watering. However, for areas with no irrigation, a ‘dryland’ seed mix may be more appropriate—please note we do not offer dryland-specific mixes at this time.
Mountain West (e.g., Colorado, Montana, Wyoming)
- Climate: Short growing season with dry conditions and cold winters.
- Best grasses: Crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, smooth brome, sainfoin.
- Planting time: Early spring (April–May).
- Special notes:
- Choose drought- and cold-tolerant species for best performance.
- Irrigation may be necessary in low-precipitation regions.
* Our company offers Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover seeds. While these are excellent cool-season forage species, the specific varieties we carry are best suited to the Pacific Northwest and northern U.S. regions that typically experience milder and wetter conditions. For optimal performance in the Mountain West, you may want to consider regionally adapted varieties or consult with a local supplier familiar with the area’s drier and colder climate.
Southwest (e.g., Arizona, New Mexico)
- Climate: Arid, hot summers, cold desert winters.
- Best grasses: Blue grama, lovegrass, native warm-season grasses.
- Planting time: Late summer before monsoon (July–August).
- Special notes:
- Native grasses preferred for low water use.
- Weed control is crucial in low-input systems.
* Our company offers Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy, and Clover seeds—all cool-season forage species. However, the varieties we carry are better adapted to cooler, northern U.S. climates and may not perform optimally in the hot, arid conditions of the Southwest without supplemental irrigation. For this region, we recommend consulting with local seed suppliers who specialize in native or drought-tolerant varieties better suited to Southwest environments.
Other Places to Seek Seeding Advice:
Where to Seek Advice for Pasture or Seeding Projects
1. Local Cooperative Extension Services
- These are typically affiliated with land-grant universities in each state.
- They offer region-specific expertise on soil testing, seed selection, planting methods, and grazing management.
- Many provide free or low-cost soil tests, workshops, and publications tailored to your area.
2. State Departments of Agriculture or Natural Resources
- They often provide resources on best practices for pasture establishment and sustainable land use.
- Some offer technical assistance and cost-share programs for pasture improvement.
3. Professional Agronomists or Forage Specialists
- Certified agronomists can provide detailed, customized advice on species selection, seed mixes, fertilization, and pest management.
- They may be found through private consulting firms or agricultural suppliers.
4. Seed Suppliers and Companies
- Many reputable seed companies have agronomy experts who can help you choose the best varieties for your climate and soil conditions.
- They can recommend appropriate seeding rates and planting times.
5. Local Farmers or Grazing Associations
- Experienced local producers often share practical insights and lessons learned from similar projects in your region.
- Regional grazing or pasture management groups may offer field days and peer support.
6. Soil Testing Laboratories
- Before seeding, soil testing is crucial. Labs can interpret results and recommend lime, fertilizer, or amendments to optimize soil fertility.
7. Extension Publications and Online Resources
- University websites often provide detailed guides, fact sheets, and videos on pasture establishment and management.
- Examples include USDA NRCS resources and regional pasture manuals.
